It’s such a simple matter, really…the dead can’t answer for themselves. But why would that be for a particular affecting toward, why that preference? First and most obvious, we can make anything mean most anything we like and prefer, without fear of contradiction. We can make a whaling story contain all manner of subtexts and references to psychological and metaphysical issues, explain what a poem means, find all manner of hidden sequences in a film, and diagnose a painter or sculptor by his artwork. And in all of this almost any theory is made supportable (including my proposition in the title) by enough words. And without the auteur or author present to refute…who is to say? Who has final say over meaning? Any?
Of course in reference to holy books or words considered holy we can feign an elevation of our esteem toward them as being ineffably untouchable and immutable…all the while, and no less, holding firmly to our own interpretation of their meaning. This petard set to a hoisting in and by our disingenuousness is set for the exposure of our particular disingenuousness; but, of course, that is my particular interpretation of God’s work among men, i.e. to show us all liars, (and that especially as before Him and most especially to ourselves) that we might seek relief.
Then secondly follows first, of making things say or mean to our own preference and from which we may claim some expertise, the very nature of apostles and prophets…personally. Being foundational to the structure of the church (shall I resort to scripture?) they are indispensable…but their person is rarely found so. And, in person…even less so. With their authority given for their work, and a foundational authority as mentioned, they are less inclined to make sacrifice of that authority (or will learn not to) by being men pleasers. Of course, if their delight is not in the authority of the One ordaining, but instead some affection for authority of themselves…they are either false or with much to learn.
And of course, presence in person make it very difficult to put words in their mouths…even if, or when, they are not clearly understood. They are made to be ready (when ready)…to patiently give answer. So, though much lip service may be given to the “apostle’s doctrine(s)”, less is given to, and more often denied or refuted to a one in person. And most (do I paint too broadly?) prefer rebukes found, even if found…from a distance. We may not yet know how very much we prefer (though we outwardly decry it as profane) our own ways. It’s so easy to disdain in person a one who speaks of “how things are”, preferring to seemingly exalt some others (though not present in flesh) and ours as being wholly devoted to their visions of how things are.
The truth that “Daddy’s home” is most often an interruption of our play and disorderliness, and is appointed to those of foundational office and calling. But, and this but is nothing less than most relevant, with no trust in themselves for sufficiency, and apart from any assuming of roles that would exalt themselves. To understand how and the workings of authority requires a deep looking into the Lord Jesus Christ, which is never exclusively theirs…but rather to provoke others, if made able, to encourage such deeper looking. How any man, in being sent with, or in any authority, might be able to consider himself least of all, servant rather than boss, given as to be some support from below (as a foundation) for those above and esteemed better than themselves…well, yes, one may be able to appreciate how deep a look that is by invitation and provoking to…a looking into Christ. And Jesus is quite open to all His own, and His depths are not withheld from any even if or though it appears some may be called to first go there.
You see, we are to whatever extent we remain, often in love with lies about ourselves. “I would have stood with Jesus”…”I would have seen and appreciated Paul’s depth and counsel where others perhaps did not…” (At my first response, no man stood with me” he said)
“Yes!, I get all he says and is saying! In fact, my denomination wholly endorses his writings as no less than all the scriptures…as inspired!”
“It’s even one of the statements of faith we have and require for membership in our church!”
We do not like when any see through our charades (too broad a brush?)…and to not be too casual, but not willing to sacrifice for an appearance of piety, the truth…”And God forbid any personally confront us (or me) on these matters…in person.” No apostles and prophets are more often preferred, or at least at some distance. And being “dead” suffices. Or their office and callings…concluded.
We are more often like those who Jesus spoke to in putting some distance, or at least hoping to. “Had we lived in the days of our father’s we would not have stoned the prophets (*unsaid: “like they did”). Had I heard Jesus personally, Paul, personally, Peter, personally…yeah…I am sure I’d be right there in the arena with them, on the chopping block with them…before the Sanhedrin, right there with Him…and not run scared or denying…as the ones we so often call “fathers” in the faith.
Do you yet have precious myths about yourself?
I surely do.
Apostles and prophets…different, but not different. Their eyes are to be given. This is no different than any other called of the Lord…to colabor as givers of sight. To be, by their own deliverance from shadows and fumes of obscurity that cloud sight and understanding…and meaning…that the Lord be seen, in His meaning…His significance. Not their own.
The ones we read, and read of, the ones we may say are reliable witnesses of the death and resurrection…did not become so, (although ordained to be so whose fruit would remain) apart from their own learning. That grace outstrips and outstripped their own exaggerations about themselves, their own affections for position, their own frailty and ease of being scattered, their own…in all, pretty much being wrong…about everything. Who they were of themselves, what they could do of themselves, how they could and would, and did, correct the Lord in His stating of how things are and what would be. And because that grace, and because of that work of grace toward themselves were then unashamed of preaching that gospel that not only can save the weakest, but by their own experience…does.
Things had moved from vagueness or theory and/or a far offness of mere words heard by their flesh…and into their own flesh. These were chosen to first go…knowing no confidence in their own flesh in all its now exposed frailty and vanity. They know and well understand until this work is done in a man, even that “any man” who may be found in Christ…to that curious but necessary hating of his own life when shown how empty and vain it is, he cannot but wait in his being despised.
It’s a promise made to him/them…even as to be received of all who might call themselves disciples and not hoarded to themselves for self glorying…but to, by all means and whatever means provided this not be lost to any as for any…”and you will be hated by all men for my name’s sake”.
Unless one cares to find some other meaning to those words. Maybe some distancing, maybe some “those may not be for today”…no less as apostles and prophets are so often consigned. Not needed…not for today. And make them as less than promise, or even as less than all the other promises many make boast of having…as their own.
After all…who doesn’t like…”likes”?
But who alone is able to save from a particular woe we may so often seek after, even in our sternest and most strident denial of its being motive?
“Woe to you when all men speak well of you…”
Only One is able to save. Amongst what so often and eagerly pursues “Likes”.
It’s a miracle, I tell you.
I tell you, a miracle.
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